Court Forms & Access Officer - Office of Judicial Administration

Kansas Judicial Council; Topeka (KS); Hybrid; USD 87,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

Kansas Judicial Branch is seeking a visionary Court Forms & Access Officer to lead the evolution of statewide court forms, self-help publications, and digital content. The role focuses on plain-language standards, user-led design, and modern automation to improve accessibility.

This position offers remote work for qualified candidates with a requirement to report to the Topeka office with notice. You will collaborate with judges, clerks, and partners to advance access to justice and public

Qualifications

• Requires JD or equivalent advanced degree.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in court administration, legal technology, or related field.
• Familiarity with Kansas statutes, court rules, and policies.

Responsibilities

• Lead plain-language strategy and legal design for statewide forms.
• Oversee lifecycle of statewide court forms and public-facing materials.
• Ensure accessibility and plain-language compliance across forms and publications.
• Implement document automation and digital workflow solutions for self-represented litigants.
• Lead cross-functional teams and manage vendor relationships.

Skills

Plain language drafting

Legal document design

User experience testing

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) or equivalent

Tools

Document automation platforms

Digital accessibility standards (WCAG/ADA)

Job description

Position number: K0245943

Location of Employment: Kansas Judicial Center, Topeka, KS

Department: Access to Justice Initiatives

Position Title and Salary: Court Forms & Access Officer, grade 51, $ 87,326.06 annually

$89,431.04 at successful completion of 6 months

$96,238.87 at successful completion of 1 year

Kansas Judicial Branch Benefits

Remote work is available for qualified candidates. The selected candidate must be able to report to the Topeka office with notice.

About the Role

The Kansas Judicial Branch is dedicated to ensuring meaningful access to the court system. We are seeking a visionary and detail-oriented Court Forms & Access Officer to lead the evolution of our statewide court forms, self-help publications, and digital legal content. In this role, you will bridge the gap between complex legal processes and public understanding by leveraging plain language standards, user-led design, and modern document automation technology.

If you thrive at the intersection of legal research, project management, and public impact, this is your opportunity to shape a more equitable court system.

Key Responsibilities

• Plain-Language Strategy & Legal Design

• Oversee the end-to-end lifecycle of statewide court forms and public-facing legal materials.
• Facilitate a multi-tiered review framework, incorporating collaborative drafting, user testing, and continuous improvement of forms.
• Partner with operational teams to ensure court forms, publications, and digital resources adhere to digital accessibility (WCAG/ADA) and plain-language standards.

• Technology & Innovation

• Aid in the implementation of document automation and digital workflow solutions that streamline court filings and simplify procedures for self-represented litigants.
• Track form changes to ensure timely systemwide updates.

• Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead cross-functional teams and collaborate with judges, court clerks, legal aid partners, and advisory committees to build consensus around standardized forms and policies.
• Serve as a primary subject‑matter expert and consultant for judicial officers, staff, and court self‑help centers.
• Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and external partnerships supporting publication and access to justice initiatives.

• Research, Policy & Capacity Building

• Conduct legal analysis on statutory and rule changes affecting form development.
• Draft, edit, and review rules, policy manuals, user guides, and operational guidelines.
• Design and facilitate training programs for judges, court managers, and court staff on updated forms and access‑based best practices.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Education: Juris Doctor (J.D.), or other relevant advanced degree from an accredited institution.
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in court administration, legal technology, legal services, or a related field.
• Knowledge: Familiarity with Kansas statutes, court rules, and policies.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years of direct legal practice, judicial clerkship, or legal research experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in plain language drafting, legal document design, or user experience testing.
• Familiarity with document automation platforms and digital accessibility compliance.
• Experience supporting or working within legal self‑help centers or public‑interest legal initiatives.
• Proven track record of leading cross‑functional teams toward shared goals.

Applications will be accepted until:

Open until filled.

The Americans with Disabilities Act ensures your right to reasonable accommodations during the employment process. A request for an accommodation will not affect your opportunities for employment with the Judicial Branch. If you wish to request an ADA accommodation, please contact [e-mail] or by TDD through the Kansas Relay Center at 800‑766‑3777 or 711.

THE KANSAS JUDICIAL BRANCH IS AN EEO / AA EMPLOYER